Get free expert tech advice to help grow your business
Acting on good advice at the right time can make a huge difference. It really could help you take your business to new levels of success in 2026 and beyond.
That game-changing guidance could come from Tech Adoption for Growth, with sole traders and SMEs from across our region being encouraged to apply now. Tech Adoption for Growth is fully UK Government funded, too, which means it won’t cost you a penny.
What is Tech Adoption for Growth?
“Tech Adoption for Growth is a programme being delivered by Business West and TechSPARK in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority [WECA],” explains Ben Masheder of Business West, project manager for Tech Adoption for Growth.
“The aim is to provide sole traders and SMEs in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire with practical advice on how to make best use of digital technology, so they can become more efficient, productive and profitable. The aim is to fuel the success and growth of sole traders and SMEs in our region.”
Two separate support routes for sole traders and SMEs
After applying, SMEs accepted onto the programme will be assigned specialist support through one of two routes. As Ben explains: “The first will involve one-to-one consultancy with an experienced technology consultant who will carry out in-depth digital diagnostics on the business and provide tailored practical advice.
“The second route offers SMEs the opportunity to take part in expert-led peer group workshops. These will cover key digital technology topics, including AI, data management, cyber security, digital marketing and selling online, as well as how to get the best results when using CRM [customer relationship management], accounting and other software. The workshops will address real-world business challenges, while providing the opportunity to learn from other businesses and share your own knowledge.”
Spaces are limited and strictly first come first served, so Ben is urging sole traders and SMEs to apply as soon as possible.
Did you know? Using CRM (customer relationship management), accounting and other software can boost SME productivity by 7%–18% per technology (source: Department for Business and Trade).
Funded support for businesses
It is hoped that Tech Adoption for Growth will build on the success of a previous SME tech-support initiative that ran from March 2024 until the end of 2025.
“It provided 115 SMEs with tailored, in-depth consultant-support, with many businesses gaining significantly after implementing new digital technologies,” Ben continues. “Businesses also learned how to use their existing digital technologies more effectively. We also delivered 17 workshops, attended by almost 500 businesses from across our region, with consultants sharing their insight on a range of digital technology challenges.”
Mouthwatering case study
One business that has already benefitted from funded tech support is Pinkmans Bakery, which sells its sourdoughnuts and other mouthwatering delights from four locations in Bristol. After a fire devastated its production facilities in Clifton, in 2023 the business quite literally needed to rise from the ashes.
Boosting its online presence and social media engagement were critical to attracting enough footfall and wholesale custom to revive the business and pave the way for future growth, but Pinkmans Bakery lacked the necessary expertise in house.
After speaking to WECA, Pinkmans Bakery co-owner Ross Gibbens was put in touch with techSPARK. The not-for-profit Bristol and Bath growth network audited Pinkmans Bakery’s social media channels and website, before referring Ross to copywriting, marketing and branding specialist, Rin Hamburgh.
Stronger position for future growth
“We worked together to build a strategy for our digital presence and online messaging, considering the background of our business, our unique selling points, and our current and ideal customer base,” Ross recalls. Key messaging pillars were created, to help build a social media strategy and consistent narrative. Pinkmans Bakery then had clear messaging guidelines that soon helped boost it online engagement and social media followers dramatically.
“Our Instagram followers increased by 15%, and engagement increased by 30%,” Ross reveals. “Our mailing list doubled from 2,000 to 4,000 subscribers, and we attracted new wholesales leads. Without the support we received, we wouldn’t be in as strong a position to strive for future business growth,” he says.
Many businesses have already signed up for Tech Adoption for Growth, but Ben Masheder wants more to follow. “It’s a great opportunity for sole traders and SMEs to learn from leading experts how to get much more from technology, without having to pay consultancy fees. Gaining that knowledge could make a big difference,” he concludes.
Sole traders and SMEs in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire can apply now for free support from Tech Adoption for Growth. Tech Adoption for Growth is being delivered by Business West and TechSPARK, in partnership with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and funded by UK Government.